Many of you have probably heard about the water level in Lake Mead, the nation’s largest reservoir, has dropped to its lowest level ever (read more about it in EcoWatch, Grist, and Slate). And, it continues to drop every day, as the drought that’s gripping much of the American West marches on. That isn’t great news for water users who are dependent on it. But what does it mean for the Colorado River, river recreation, and the use of water across our country?

The effects on the Lower Colorado, between the Glen Canyon Dam and the Hoover Dam, through the Grand Canyon, could be dramatic. If the hypothetical decision to release more water to help “refill” Lake Mead were to be made, that could be great news for anyone running the Grand Canyon this summer. More water through there would make an already amazing river run truly something to experience. If that happens, hang on!

There are broader implications here, too. The Las Vegas area, adjacent the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead behind it, has long been incredibly dependent on Colorado River water for its survival. If, hypothetically, Lead Mead were to completely dry up, that area would be in big, big trouble.

Here’s where we can draw parallels to our work on the Upper Colorado River. In very different (but no less significant) ways, communities like Glenwood Springs, or Kremmling, or other recreation-focused areas are also dependent on the Colorado. Recreation on the river is the lifeblood of the community. If those recreational opportunities don’t exist, then neither do those communities. And that’s why American Whitewater does what it does: Because healthy rivers help breed healthy communities, healthy economies, and a healthy environment.

This all come back to one important point: We need to be using our water more wisely. This summer’s situation at Lake Mead is a cautionary tale, an example of how improperly managed resources in an unsustainable system can threaten entire communities. It’s also a good reminder to us at American Whitewater: we can get a lot from our rivers, but only if we give back in return.